After birds killed, groups vow return of swans to Manito Park

A plan to replace two mute swans that were killed at Manito Park this month will be announced this morning in a news conference at the duck pond where the birds once lived.

“A lot of people are just really, really upset,” said Mary Butler, executive director of the Spokane Parks Foundation.

The foundation is teaming with another civic organization that has offered $2,500 for the replacement swans.

In addition, the foundation is establishing a swan care and protection fund and asking the public to contribute to it.

On April 7, two male swans that had been reared at Manito were struck by a vehicle in what became the sixth violent incident involving swans at the park since 1989 and left the park devoid of the graceful birds.

One official said the city was going out of the swan business, but an outcry has led to the plan to replace them.

“I think there’s going to have to be a discussion about security,” Butler said.

Contributions may be made to the parks foundation through City Hall, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane, WA 99201.

The foundation can be reached at (509) 362-3362 or by e-mail at mbutler@spokanecity.org.

A plan to replace two mute swans that were killed at Manito Park this month will be announced this morning in a news conference at the duck pond where the birds once lived.

“A lot of people are just really, really upset,” said Mary Butler, executive director of the Spokane Parks Foundation.

The foundation is teaming with another civic organization that has offered $2,500 for the replacement swans.

In addition, the foundation is establishing a swan care and protection fund and asking the public to contribute to it.

On April 7, two male swans that had been reared at Manito were struck by a vehicle in what became the sixth violent incident involving swans at the park since 1989 and left the park devoid of the graceful birds.

One official said the city was going out of the swan business, but an outcry has led to the plan to replace them.

“I think there’s going to have to be a discussion about security,” Butler said.

Contributions may be made to the parks foundation through City Hall, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane, WA 99201.

The foundation can be reached at (509) 362-3362 or by e-mail at mbutler@spokanecity.org.